Semi-automatic handgun apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A handgun is provided with a frame including a magazine receiver and trigger guard. A breech-slide is slidably coupled with the frame. A magazine safety assembly includes a safety tab that engages a trigger assembly, when a cartridge magazine is not seated within the magazine receiver, and prevents actuation of the trigger assembly. The safety tab engages the cartridge magazine when it is seated within the magazine receiver, which displaces the safety tab from within the trigger assembly and allows the trigger assembly to actuate. Embodiments of the handgun are provided in a compact size. A finger recess in the trigger guard increases available surface area along a grip portion despite the overall compact size.

BACKGROUND

John M. Browning designed the Model 1911 handgun as a single-action, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, and recoil-operated handgun. The Model 1911 was originally chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge and served as the standard-issue side arm for the United States armed forces from 1911 to 1985. The basic M1911 design, while currently manufactured by several companies around the world, has seen very little change throughout its production life.

One drawback to the civilian use of the Model 1911 is the fact that it is chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. The .45 ACP cartridge is more expensive and less available to civilian shooters than other ammunition, such as the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Moreover, in order to support the charge of this cartridge, the Model 1911 incorporated a number of specific design characteristics. First, the Model 1911 is large. The Model 1911 includes components, such as its breech-slide, which require a significant mass in order to partially counteract the charge of the .45 ACP cartridge. The size and weight of the Model 1911 makes it less desirable for inexperienced shooters and shooters with small hands.

A complex recoil operation is another specific design characteristic of the Model 1911 that adapts it for proper operation with the .45 ACP cartridge. When the Model 1911 is fired, the expanding combustion gases force the bullet down the barrel, which gives reverse momentum to the slide and barrel. At this portion of the firing cycle, the slide and barrel are locked together. After the bullet has left the barrel, the slide and barrel continue rearward a short distance. At this point, a link pivots the barrel down, displacing lugs on the barrel from within locking recesses in the slide, and brings the barrel to a stop. As the slide continues rearward, an extractor pulls the spent cartridge casing from the firing chamber and an ejector strikes the rear of the cartridge case, pivoting it out and away from the handgun. The breech-slide stops and is then propelled forward by a reaction spring to strip a fresh cartridge from the magazine and feed it into the firing chamber. At the forward end of its travel, the breech-slide re-couples with the barrel and is ready to fire again. While this is a proven form of blowback operation, the operational interrelationship between the components requires a relatively high degree of precision and manufacturing cost. This mechanism works well for higher pressure cartridges, but cartridges of a smaller caliber and cartridges loaded to a lower pressure could cause the handgun to malfunction because they will not generate enough recoil to work the action fully. This results in either the breech-slide not clearing the top cartridge of the magazine or becoming jammed open on the cartridge's base.

The Model 1911 is well known for various features, including the grip lever safety and the slide/hammer lock. These safeties may reduce the likelihood that the handgun will fire a cartridge unintentionally. In preparation for inspecting or cleaning the handgun, a user is to remove the cartridge magazine to remove the cartridges from the handgun. The proper follow-up step is to grasp the rearward portion of the breech-slide and draw it back along the frame to open the breech of the handgun. This provides the user with visual confirmation that the chamber is clear of any cartridges. If this step is overlooked, a cartridge could remain in the chamber.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary, and the foregoing Background, is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A semi-automatic handgun is provided, according to the present technology, with a frame, having an upper end portion that extends downward in the form of a handle or grip. The grip includes a magazine receiver that serves as the seat for a detachable cartridge magazine. A trigger assembly is provided below the upper end portion of the frame at a forward edge portion of the grip. The trigger assembly is slidably coupled with the frame so that it may be selectively movable within a trigger plane between an extended position and a retracted position. A trigger guard is provided to extend downwardly from the upper end portion of the frame at one end and terminate at the forward edge portion of the grip.

The handgun is further provided with a barrel having forward and rearward end portions and a mounting lug depending from the rearward end portion of the barrel. In various embodiments, the mounting lug is attached to the frame by a mounting pin fitted transversely through the frame and the mounting lug, securing the barrel and mounting lug in a fixed position on the frame. A breech-slide is slidably coupled with the upper end portion of the frame, over the barrel. A rearward end portion of the breech-slide forms the breechblock. A forward end portion of the breech-slide is closed at a bottom portion by a depending smaller tube extending a distance to the rear of the breech-slide to form an abutment that is closed by a cylindrically shaped plug. A spiral reaction spring is positioned between the plug and a reaction spring guide.

Some embodiments of the handgun incorporate a magazine safety assembly that prevents the trigger assembly from operating between its extended and retracted positions when a cartridge magazine is not seated within the magazine receiver. The magazine safety may include a deformably resilient safety tab, having an anchor end portion and an opposite, free end portion. A deflection ridge is formed along a length of the safety tab, between the anchor end portion and the free end portion. The safety tab is coupled with the grip of the frame so that the free end portion of the safety tab extends at least partially into a safety aperture that penetrates the grip. When the cartridge magazine is in a released position and is at least partially withdrawn from the magazine receiver, the free end portion of the safety tab is positioned within the trigger plane, adjacent the trigger bow, whereby the free end portion of the safety tab obstructs the trigger assembly from moving between the extended position and retracted position. Similarly, when the cartridge magazine is in the installed position, the cartridge magazine will engage a portion of the safety tab, such as the deflection ridge deflects the free end portion of the safety tab away from the trigger plane, allowing the trigger assembly to freely move between the extended position and retracted position. In some embodiments, the anchor end portion of the safety tab may be positioned within a safety tab recess formed into the grip of the frame. A flat underside of a grip plate is positioned closely adjacent exposed sides of the grip and the anchor end portion of the safety tab, securing the safety tab within the safety tab recess.

Embodiments of the handgun resemble the Model 1911 in form and function, with various functional and aesthetic differences. Some embodiments of the handgun are chambered for use with calibers such as .22 Long Rifle, .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .380 ACP, and the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, portions or all of the breech-slide may be formed from a relatively lightweight material, such as aluminum. In various embodiments, the handgun will be provided as a scaled version of the Model 1911. In this manner, many of the handgun's dimensions will be reduced in size and mass. In some embodiments, however, the breech-slide may be made with both a reduced size and be formed from a lightweight material, such as aluminum. In an exemplary embodiment, the handgun may be provided with overall dimensions of between 80% to 90% of the overall dimensions of a standard Model 1911. Some of the dimensions of the handgun are not scaled down. For example, the overall dimensions of the trigger guard may be maintained, rather than reduced, to permit ease of access through the trigger guard to the trigger for a shooter's index finger.

A bottom leg of the trigger guard resides within a guard plane that is parallel with the upper end portion of the frame. In some embodiments, an end portion of the bottom leg of the trigger guard and the forward edge of the grip portion of the frame meet at a finger recess that extends above the guard plane. The finger recess may be arcuately shaped to accommodate the curved nature of a shooter's middle finger.

These and other aspects of the present system and method will be apparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and Figures herein.

DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention, including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of one embodiment of a semi-automatic handgun according to the present technology.

FIG. 2 depicts a rear perspective view of the semi-automatic handgun depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom perspective view of the semi-automatic handgun depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts a side elevation view of the semi-automatic handgun depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom plan view of the semi-automatic handgun depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 depicts a top plan view of the semi-automatic handgun depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 depicts a rear elevation view of the semi-automatic handgun depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 depicts a front elevation view of the semi-automatic handgun depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 depicts a cutaway, a side elevation view of an embodiment of the semi-automatic handgun of the present technology.

FIG. 10 depicts a partially exploded, perspective view of an embodiment of the semi-automatic handgun of the present technology.

FIG. 11 depicts a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the semi-automatic handgun of the present technology with one embodiment of a magazine safety assembly, as the magazine safety assembly may be disposed in an engaged position with the magazine removed from the magazine receiver.

FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of the magazine safety assembly as it is depicted in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 depicts a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the semi-automatic handgun and magazine safety assembly of FIG. 11, as the magazine safety assembly may be disposed in a disengaged position with the magazine disposed within the magazine receiver.

FIG. 14 depicts an isometric view of the magazine safety assembly as it is depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 depicts an isometric view of the magazine safety assembly as it is depicted in FIG. 14, demonstrating one manner in which the magazine safety assembly could prevent the trigger assembly from being retracted to a firing position.

FIG. 16 depicts a partially exploded, side elevation view of one embodiment of the semi-automatic handgun according to the present technology and identifies certain general dimensions of components to the semi-automatic handgun.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Model 1911 pistol was first described in U.S. Pat. No. 984,519, which issued to John M. Browning on Feb. 14, 1911, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference. Improvements to the Model 1911 pistol were described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,070,582, which also issued to John M. Browning on Aug. 19, 1913, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference. With reference to FIGS. 1-15, one or more embodiments of a Model 1911 type pistol are depicted in accordance with the present technology. Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

With reference to FIGS. 1-10 and, more particularly to FIGS. 9 and 10, a handgun 10 is generally provided with a frame 12, having an upper end portion 14 that extends between a forward end portion and an opposite rearward end portion. The frame 12 extends downward from the rearward end of the upper end portion 14 in the form of a handle or grip 16. The grip 16 includes a magazine receiver 18 that serves as the seat for a detachable cartridge magazine 20. The magazine receiver 18 is provided with a magazine receiver opening 22 at a bottom end portion of the grip 16. The magazine receiver opening 22 is shaped to permit the cartridge magazine to be selectively moved between an installed position, wherein the cartridge magazine 20 is seated in the magazine receiver 18, and a released position, wherein the cartridge magazine 20 is unseated and at least partially withdrawn from the magazine receiver 18. The cartridge magazine 20 is secured in the magazine receiver 18 by a magazine catch 24, fitted transversely through the grip 16, adjacent a forward edge portion of the grip 16. The magazine catch 24 intersects the front end of the magazine receiver 18 in the grip 16, and is shaped to correspond with and to clear the magazine receiver 18 when the magazine catch 24 is pressed inward from the left toward the right side of the grip 16. With the magazine catch 24 depressed, a cartridge magazine 20 may be freely entered into or withdrawn from the magazine receiver 18.

A trigger assembly 26 is provided below the upper end portion 14 of the frame 12 at the forward edge portion of the grip 16. The trigger assembly 26 is generally provided with a trigger 28 that is coupled at a forward end portion of a trigger bow 30. In various embodiments, the trigger 28 is provided in the form of a blade-style trigger having a forward engagement surface. In various embodiments, the trigger bow 30 is formed from a band of material that is formed to define a loop that may fit within the grip 16 of the frame 12. In particular, the trigger assembly 26 is slidably coupled with the frame 12 so that it may be selectively movable within a trigger plane between an extended position and a retracted position. A trigger guard 32 is provided to extend downwardly from the upper end portion 14 of the frame 12 at one end and terminate at the forward edge portion of the grip 16. In this manner, the trigger guard 32 partially encloses the trigger assembly 26, permitting the movement of the trigger assembly within the trigger plane.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the handgun 10 is provided with a barrel 34 having forward and rearward end portions and a mounting lug 36 depending from the rearward end of the barrel 34. In various embodiments, the mounting lug 36 is attached to the frame 12 by a mounting pin 38 fitted transversely through the frame 12 and the mounting lug 36, securing the barrel 34 and mounting lug 36 in a fixed position on the frame 12. The mounting pin 38 projects from the left side of the frame 12 where it carries a rearwardly extending handle that rests against the side of the frame 12. Removal of the mounting pin 38 enables the removal of the barrel 34 and breech-slide 40 in a forward direction from the frame 12. Other known methods and mechanical assemblies for coupling the barrel 34 with the frame 12 are contemplated and may be employed according to the intended cartridges to be used with the handgun 10.

The handgun 10 is provided with a breech-slide 40, having a forward end portion 42 and a rearward end portion 44. The breech-slide 40 slides rearward and forward on the upper end portion 14 of the frame 12. The rearward end portion 44 of the breech-slide 40 forms the breechblock 45. Forward from the rearward end portion 44, the breech-slide 40 encloses the barrel 34 and carries at its forward end portion 42 a barrel bushing 46 for keeping a muzzle end of the barrel 34 in place.

The forward end portion 42 of the breech-slide 40 is closed at a bottom portion by a depending smaller tube extending a distance to the rear of the breech-slide 40 to form an abutment 48. The axis of the abutment 48 is parallel to the breech-slide 40 and the upper end portion 14 of the frame 12. A forward end portion of the abutment 48 is closed by a cylindrically shaped plug 50. From the abutment 48 rearward, sides of the breech-slide 40 overlap the sides of the upper end portion 14 of the frame 12 and are provided with integral, lengthwise grooves and ribs interlocking with corresponding ribs and grooves in the sides of the upper end portion 14 of the frame 12. Through these mating ribs and grooves, the breech-slide 40 is vertically secured on the frame 12 and guided in its longitudinal movements thereon.

At a forward end portion of the frame 12, an extension 52 is provided to receive the abutment 48 of the breech-slide 40. The extension 52 is shaped to mate with the abutment 48, which moves within the extension 52 and the breech-slide 40 recoils along the frame 12. A spiral reaction spring 54 is positioned within the extension 52, exerting tension at one end against the plug 50. At an opposite end portion, the reaction spring 54 exerts its tension against a reaction spring guide 56, which includes a support post on which the reaction spring 54 may move, and a support block that engages a forward surface of the mounting lug 36 depending from the barrel 34. The reaction spring 54 exerts its tension to yieldingly hold the breech-slide 40 in a forward position in which the breechblock 45 closes a breech portion of the barrel 34.

The breechblock 45 portion of the breech-slide 40 carries a firing pin and an extractor. A hammer 58 and sear 60 are pivotally mounted to the frame 12 rearward from the breechblock 45 portion of the breech-slide 40. A butt-piece assembly 62 at a rearward end portion of the grip 16 encloses a main-spring assembly 64 and the hammer strut 66. The main spring assembly 64 is positioned within the butt-piece assembly 62 so that it applies tension to the hammer strut 66, which is pivotally attached to the hammer 58, such that the hammer 58 is urged forward into a firing position against the firing pin. The hammer 58 and sear 60 are operatively coupled with one another in usual form, whereby movement of the trigger assembly 26 to a retracted position permits the trigger bow 30 to cause actuation of the sear 60, releasing the hammer 58 so that it strikes the firing pin in a manner that engages a cartridge positioned at the breech of the barrel 34.

The above-described embodiment provides the handgun 10 with a simple or “pure” blowback system. In use, the cycle begins when a cartridge is fired from the handgun 10. Expanding gases from the fired cartridge send the projectile down the barrel 34 and, at the same time, force the casing against the face of the breechblock 45, overcoming the inertia of the breechblock 45, resulting in a “blowback” effect. The forces exerted by powder gases exist for a relatively brief moment. The breech is kept sealed by the cartridge case until the bullet has left the barrel 34 and gas pressure has dropped to a safe level. At this point, the powder pressure is zero and the force driving the breechblock 45 back is also zero, but the case and breechblock 45 continue to the rear of their own momentum. As the breechblock 45 travels back, the spent cartridge casing is extracted and then ejected, and the hammer 58 is cocked while the breechblock 45 begins to decelerate against the resistance provided by the reaction spring 54. The breechblock 45 eventually reaches a velocity of zero and the kinetic energy from the recoil impulse is now stored in the compressed spring. The reaction spring 54 then propels the breechblock 45 forward again, which strips a second cartridge from the cartridge magazine 20. The breechblock 45 carries the second cartridge into the barrel 34 as the reaction spring 54 completes its energy. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the mass of the breech-slide 40 should be provided to be sufficient to hold the breech closed until the bullet exits the barrel 34 and residual pressure is vented from the bore. A cartridge that generates too much pressure or a breech-slide 40 with too little mass may cause the cartridge case to extract early, causing a separation or rupture. Accordingly, embodiments of the handgun 10 may be easily calibrated for use with calibers that include .22 Long Rifle, .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .380 ACP, etc.

It is contemplated that embodiments of the handgun 10 may incorporate one or more safeties to decrease the likelihood of unintentional discharge, which could result in significant injury or death. One or more of these safeties may include safety assemblies used within firearms previously. For example, various embodiments of the handgun 10 may incorporate a grip safety similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 984,519 by John M. Browning. In at least one embodiment, a grip lever 68 may be pivotally coupled with the rearward edge of the grip 16 to the rear of the hammer 58 and above the butt-piece assembly 62. A grip lever spring 70 yieldingly holds the grip lever 68 in a rear position in which a forward projection of the grip lever 68 stands to the rear of the trigger assembly 26 and locks the trigger assembly 26 against operation, while a lower portion of the grip lever 68 projects from the rear of the grip 16. In operation, when the grip 16 is grasped, as in the act of firing, the grip lever 68 is pressed into the grip, thereby automatically releasing the trigger assembly 26 for operation.

In some embodiments, the handgun 10 will be provided with a combined slide-lock and hammer lock, such as that described within U.S. Pat. No. 1,070,582 by John M. Browning. In such embodiments, a locking plate 72 is pivotally coupled with the left side of the frame 12 to the rear of the grip 16. Above the locking plate 72, an angular recess 74 is formed into a lower edge of the breech-slide 40, which corresponds with a forward upper corner of the locking plate 72 and is positioned above that portion of the locking plate 72 when the breech-slide 40 is in a forward, closed position. In this orientation, the locking plate 72 may be selectively turned upward on its pivot point to enter the angular recess 74 and positively lock the breech-slide 40 in the forward, closed position. Pivoting the locking plate 72 within the angular recess 74 also positions a locking stud (not depicted) into the path of the sear 60 and hammer 58, positively preventing the structures from being operated in a manner that releases the hammer 58 from a cocked position.

With reference to FIGS. 11-15, some embodiments of the handgun 10 will incorporate a magazine safety assembly that prevents the trigger assembly 26 from operating between its extended and retracted positions when a cartridge magazine 20 is not seated within the magazine receiver 18. In some embodiments, the magazine safety may include a deformably resilient safety tab 76, having an anchor end portion 78 and an opposite, free end portion 80. It is contemplated that the safety tab 76 may be provided in the form of various different resiliently deformable structures. However, in some embodiments, the safety tab 76 is provided in the form of a leaf spring. In such embodiments, a deflection ridge 82 may be formed along a length of the safety tab 76, between the anchor end portion 78 and the free end portion 80. In particular embodiments, the deflection ridge 82 is positioned adjacent the free end portion 80 and is provided by forming a series of successive bends to the safety tab 76, such that the anchor end portion 78 and free end portion 80 of the safety tab 76 reside within a common plane, while the deflection ridge 82 extends transversely from that plane.

In various embodiments, the safety tab 76 is coupled with the grip 16 of the frame 12 so that the free end portion 80 of the safety tab 76 extends at least partially into a safety aperture 84 that penetrates the grip 16. In at least some embodiments, the free end portion 80 of the safety tab 76 is positioned so that, when the cartridge magazine 20 is in a released position and is at least partially withdrawn from the magazine receiver 18, the free end portion 80 of the safety tab 76 is positioned within the trigger plane, adjacent the trigger bow 30, whereby the free end portion 80 of the safety tab 76 obstructs the trigger assembly 26 from moving between the extended position and retracted position. Similarly, when the cartridge magazine 20 is in the installed position and properly seated within the magazine receiver 18, the cartridge magazine 20 will engage a portion of the safety tab 76, such as the deflection ridge 82, deflecting the free end portion 80 of the safety tab 76 away from the trigger plane, whereby the trigger assembly 26 is free to move between the extended position and retracted position. In at least one embodiment, the trigger bow 30 is formed to include a safety notch 86 along a length of the trigger bow 30. The safety notch 86 will be positioned adjacent the location of the free end portion 80 of the safety tab 76, whereby moving the cartridge magazine 20 to the released position causes the free end portion 80 of the safety tab 76 to reside within the safety notch and engage the trigger bow 30 when the trigger assembly 26 is moved toward the retracted position, similar to that depicted in FIG. 12. Likewise, moving the cartridge magazine 20 to the installed position causes the free end portion 80 of the safety tab 76 to move clear of the safety notch 86 and allow movement of the trigger bow 30 toward the retracted position from its extended position. In some embodiments, the free end portion 80 of the safety tab 76 is formed to include a finger 88 that bends away from a long axis of the safety tab 76. In this orientation, the finger 88 presents a length that engages the safety notch 86 of the trigger bow 30 when the trigger assembly is moved toward the retracted position.

Various methods of coupling the safety tab 76 with the grip 16 of the frame 12 are contemplated. However, in some embodiments, a relatively short safety tab 76 may be used. In such instances, the anchor end portion 78 of the safety tab 76 may be positioned within a safety tab recess 90 formed into the grip 16 of the frame 12. In some embodiments, the safety tab recess 90 is shaped to approximate the length, width, and thickness of the anchor end portion 78 of the safety tab 76. In the exemplary embodiment, depicted in FIGS. 11-15, the anchor end portion 78 of the safety tab 76 and the safety tab recess 90 are provided with complimentary, shallow, rectangular shapes that resist rotational movement with respect to one another. While it is contemplated that various anchoring structures may be associated with the safety tab 76, or other mechanical fasteners used, it has been found that freely disposing the anchor end portion 78 of the safety tab 76 within the safety tab recess 90 provides a suitable anchoring base. A flat underside of a grip plate 92 is then positioned closely adjacent exposed sides of the grip 16 and the anchor end portion 78 of the safety tab 76. By securing the grip plate 92 with the grip 16 using screws 94, or other mechanical fasteners, movement of the safety tab 76 within the safety tab recess 90 is significantly limited.

With reference to FIGS. 1-9, various embodiments of the handgun 10 will closely resemble the Model 1911 in form and function, with some functional and aesthetic differences. Some embodiments of the handgun 10 will be chambered for use with calibers such as .22 Long Rifle, .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .380 ACP, and the like. Such rounds are less expensive and more readily accessible to the general public than the traditional .45 ACP rounds used by the Model 1911. Such smaller rounds use a smaller charge and provide less kick than .45 ACP. However, the smaller charge will produce a smaller volume of expanding gases from the fired cartridge. Accordingly, a smaller force will be generated to overcome the inertia of the breechblock 45. In some embodiments, portions or all of the breech-slide 40 may be formed from a relatively lightweight material, such as aluminum, which will produce a breech-slide 40 with a smaller mass than traditional breech-slides formed from steel or stainless steel. By reducing the mass of the breech-slide 40, a proper blowback recoil may be attained using a wider range of cartridges. For example, .25 Long Rifle cartridges having standard charges may be used, as opposed to .22 Long Rifle High Velocity rounds. Such high velocity or high charge cartridges may be necessary for handguns of otherwise conventional Model 1911 design, where the mass of the breech-slide has not been reduced. Such rounds are more expensive and not as readily available to civilian shooters.

With reference to FIG. 16, it is contemplated that various embodiments of the handgun 10 will be provided as a scaled version of the Model 1911. In this manner, many of the handgun's dimensions will be reduced in size and mass. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the breech-slide 40 could be made to be smaller in length, width, and height (or various combinations of reduced dimensions) and attain a desired mass reduction to attain a proper blowback recoil using smaller caliber, standard velocity cartridges. In some embodiments, however, the breech-slide may be made with both a reduced size and be formed from a lightweight material, such as aluminum. In an exemplary embodiment, the handgun may be provided with overall dimensions of between 80% to 90% of the overall dimensions of a standard Model 1911. In at least one particular embodiment, the handgun 10 is provided with average overall dimensions that are approximately 85% of the overall dimensions of a standard Model 1911. The Table below provides an exemplary comparison of some dimensions of one embodiment of the handgun 10, chambered for .22 Long Rifle, against a standard Model 1911 A1 Government Model.

Model Handgun Scaled 1911 10 (.22 LR) Percentage Slide: Length 7.44 in. 6.31 in. 84.87% Height 1.38 in. 1.25 in. 90.90% Barrel: Length 5.00 in. 4.50 in.   90% Height 1.25 in.  1.0 in.   80% Frame: Length 6.38 in. 5.31 in. 83.33% Height 4.50 in  4.00 in  88.88% Trigger Guard: Length 1.25 in. 1.30 in. 105.00%  Height 1.00 in. 1.00 in. 100.00%  Grip: Front 2.75 in  2.25 in. 81.82% (Butt to Trigger Edge Length Guard)

In the exemplary embodiment referenced in the table above, the overall dimensions of the handgun 10 are scaled to an average of 85% of the standard Model 1911. In doing so, the handgun 10 has become more accommodating to shooters with smaller hands. However, in order to maintain the functionality and ergonomics of the handgun 10 for a wide range of shooters of various sizes, the scaled percentage of the handgun 10 is not uniform. Some of the dimensions of the handgun 10 are not scaled down. For example, the overall dimensions of the trigger guard 32 are maintained, rather than reduced, to permit ease of access through the trigger guard 32 to the trigger 28 for a shooter's index finger.

With reference to FIG. 16, some embodiments of the handgun 10 will limit the amount that the length of a forward edge of the grip 16 is scaled down. In at least one embodiment, the trigger guard 32 is provided with a forward leg 96, depending from the upper end portion 14 of the frame 12 and spaced forwardly from the forward edge portion of the grip 16. A bottom leg 98 of the trigger guard 32 is provided to extend from the forward leg 94 of the trigger guard 32 to the forward edge portion of the grip 16. At least a portion of a lower surface of the bottom leg 98 residing within a guard plane 100 that is parallel with the upper end portion 14 of the frame 12. In some embodiments, an end portion of the bottom leg 98 of the trigger guard 32 and the forward edge of the grip portion 16 of the frame 12 meet at a finger recess 102 that extends above the guard plane 100. The finger recess is arcuately shaped to accommodate the curved nature of a shooter's middle finger. An apex of the arcuately shaped finger recess 102 may be provided to extend above the guard plane without extending into the path of the trigger assembly 26. In this manner, additional gripping room about the front edge portion of the grip 16 may be attained without distorting the height of the frame 12 along the grip 16 in relation to the remaining dimensions of the handgun 10.

With reference to FIG. 16 and the dimensions table above, embodiments of the handgun 10 have been provided having a form and function relative to the Model 1911. However, embodiments of the handgun 10 have been chambered for use with smaller cartridges, such as .22 Long Rifle, .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .380 ACP, and the like. Embodiments of the handgun 10 have also been scaled to a smaller size that is manageable by wide range of shooters having small grip sizes, while keeping dimensional ratios that enable shooters with larger grip sizes to comfortably shoot the handgun 10. With reference to the exemplary embodiment presented above, the handgun 10 includes a trigger guard height 32 H of approximately 1.00 inch, which is 25% to 30% as long as the frame height 12 H of approximately 4.00 inches. The exemplary Model 1911 includes a trigger guard height of approximately 1.00 inch, which is approximately 22% as long as the frame height of approximately 4.50 inches. The exemplary handgun 10 includes a trigger guard length 32 L of approximately 1.31 inches, which is 25% to 30% as long as the frame length 12 L of approximately 5.31 inches. The Model 1911 includes a trigger guard length of approximately 1.25 inches, which is approximately 20% as long as the frame length of approximately 6.38 inches. The exemplary handgun further includes a grip forward edge height 16 H of approximately 2.25 inches, which is 50% to 60% as long as the frame height 12 H of approximately 4.00 inches. The Model 1911 includes a grip forward edge height of approximately 2.75 inches, which is approximately 61% as long as the frame height of approximately 4.50 inches. Finally, the exemplary handgun 10 includes a trigger guard height 32 H of approximately 1.00 inch, which is 40% to 50% as long as the grip forward edge height 16 H of approximately 2.25 inches. The Model 1911 includes a trigger guard height of approximately 1.00 inch, which is approximately 36% as long as the grip forward edge height of approximately 2.75 inches.

Although the system has been described in language that is specific to certain structures, materials, and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures, materials, and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth). 

1. A handgun, comprising: a frame having a grip portion that surrounds a magazine receiver; the magazine receiver having an open interior; the frame having a safety aperture that penetrates the grip portion of the frame; a cartridge magazine, shaped to approximate the open interior of the magazine receiver such that the cartridge magazine is movable between an installed position, wherein the cartridge magazine is seated in the magazine receiver, and a released position, wherein the cartridge magazine is unseated and at least partially withdrawn from the magazine receiver; a trigger assembly, including a trigger and a trigger bow; the trigger assembly being selectively movable within a trigger plane between an extended position and a retracted position; and a deformably resilient safety tab, having an anchor end portion and an opposite free end portion; the safety tab extending from the frame such that the free end portion of the safety tab extends at least partially into the safety aperture of the frame to a location that: (i) when the cartridge magazine is in the released position, positions the free end portion of the safety tab within the trigger plane, adjacent the trigger bow, whereby the free end portion of the safety obstructs the trigger assembly from moving fully between the extended position and retracted position; and (ii) when the cartridge magazine is in the installed position, engages the free end portion of the safety tab with a portion of the cartridge magazine, deflecting the free end portion of the safety tab away from the trigger plane, whereby the trigger assembly is free to move between the extended position and retracted position.
 2. The handgun of claim 1 wherein the anchor end portion of the safety tab is disposed within a safety tab recess formed in the grip portion of the frame.
 3. The handgun of claim 2 further comprising: a grip plate, removably secured to the grip portion of the frame, whereby an underside of the grip plate is positioned closely adjacent the anchor end portion of the safety tab, securing the anchor end portion of the safety tab within the safety recess.
 4. The handgun of claim 1 wherein the trigger bow is formed to include a safety notch along a length of the trigger bow, adjacent the location of the free end portion of the safety tab, whereby: (i) moving the cartridge magazine to the released position causes the free end of the safety tab to reside within the notch and engage the trigger bow when the trigger assembly is moved toward the retracted position; (ii) moving the cartridge magazine to the installed position causes the free end portion of the safety tab to move clear of the notch and allow movement of the trigger bow toward the retracted position.
 5. The handgun of claim 4 wherein the safety tab is at least partially formed from a leaf spring.
 6. The handgun of claim 5 wherein the free end portion of the safety tab is formed to have a finger that bends away from a long axis of the safety tab; the finger presenting a length that engages the notch of the trigger bow when the trigger assembly is moved toward the retracted position.
 7. A handgun frame, comprising: an elongated upper end portion, having a forward end portion and an opposite, rearward end portion; a grip depending from the rearward end portion of the elongated upper end portion, the grip including opposite sides, a forward edge, and a rearward edge; a trigger guard having a forward leg, depending from the upper end portion of the frame and spaced forwardly from the forward edge portion of the grip, and a bottom leg, extending from the forward leg to the forward edge portion of the grip; at least a portion of a lower surface of the bottom leg residing within a guard plane that is parallel with the upper end portion of the frame; an end portion of the bottom leg of the trigger guard and the forward edge of the grip portion of the frame meeting at a finger recess that extends above the guard plane.
 8. The handgun frame of claim 7 wherein the finger recess is arcuately shaped; an apex of the arcuately shaped finger recess extending above the guard plane.
 9. A handgun, comprising: an elongated upper end portion, having a forward end portion and an opposite, rearward end portion; a grip depending from the rearward end portion of the elongated upper end portion to a butt portion of the frame; the grip including opposite sides, a forward edge, and a rearward edge; and a trigger guard depending from the upper end portion of the frame to the forward edge portion of the grip, forming a loop in which a trigger may be reciprocally disposed; a lower surface of the trigger guard being recessed toward the upper end portion of the frame, adjacent an engagement point between the trigger guard and the grip.
 10. A handgun, comprising: a frame including an upper end portion, extending between forward and rearward end portions of the frame, and a grip portion having opposite sides, a forward edge, a rearward edge, and a butt; the frame having a height extending between the upper end portion and the butt of the grip; the frame having a length extending between its forward and rearward end portions; a breech-slide, having opposite end portions and opposite sides, operatively coupled with the upper end portion of the frame; the breech-slide having a height extending between an upper surface of the breech-slide and the bottom of an abutment that depends from the breech-slide; the breech-slide having a length extending between its opposite end portions; a trigger guard depending from the upper end portion of the frame to the forward edge portion of the grip, forming a loop in which a trigger may be reciprocally disposed; the trigger guard having a height extending between the frame and a bottom leg of the trigger guard; the trigger guard having a length extending between a forward leg of the trigger guard and the grip; the forward edge of the grip having a height that extends between the butt end of the grip and the bottom leg of the trigger guard; and a barrel coupled with the upper end portion of the frame, at a lug that depends from a rearward end portion of the barrel; the barrel positioned at least partially within the breech-slide; the barrel having a height extending between a top portion of the barrel to a bottom portion of the lug; the barrel having a length extending between a forward end portion and the rearward end portion of the barrel; the trigger guard height being 25% to 30% as long as the frame height.
 11. The handgun of claim 10 wherein the barrel is sized to receive and fire .22 Long Rifle cartridges.
 12. The handgun of claim 10 wherein the trigger guard length is 25% to 30% as long as the frame length.
 13. The handgun of claim 10 wherein a length of the forward edge of the grip is 50% to 60% as long as the frame height.
 14. The handgun of claim 10 wherein the trigger guard height is 40% to 50% as long as a length of the forward edge of the grip.
 15. The handgun of claim 10 wherein: the trigger guard includes a forward leg, depending from the upper end portion of the frame and spaced forwardly from the forward edge portion of the grip, and a bottom leg, extending from the forward leg to the forward edge portion of the grip; at least a portion of a lower surface of the bottom leg residing within a guard plane that is parallel with the upper end portion of the frame; an end portion of the bottom leg of the trigger guard and the forward edge of the grip portion of the frame meeting at an arcuate finger recess that extends above the guard plane.
 16. A handgun, comprising: a frame including an upper end portion, extending between forward and rearward end portions of the frame, and a grip portion having opposite sides, a forward edge, a rearward edge, and a butt; a breech-slide, having opposite end portions and opposite sides, operatively coupled with the upper end portion of the frame; and a trigger guard depending from the upper end portion of the frame to the forward edge portion of the grip, forming a loop in which a trigger may be reciprocally disposed; the trigger guard having a height that is 25% to 30% as long as the frame height; the trigger guard having a length that is 25% to 30% as long as the frame length; the grip having a forward edge length that is 50% to 60% as long as the frame height; the trigger guard having a height that is 40% to 50% as long as the forward edge length of the grip.
 17. The handgun of claim 16 wherein: the trigger guard includes a forward leg, depending from the upper end portion of the frame and spaced forwardly from the forward edge portion of the grip, and a bottom leg, extending from the forward leg to the forward edge portion of the grip; at least a portion of a lower surface of the bottom leg residing within a guard plane that is parallel with the upper end portion of the frame; an end portion of the bottom leg of the trigger guard and the forward edge of the grip portion of the frame meeting at an arcuate finger recess that extends above the guard plane.
 18. The handgun of claim 17 wherein the barrel is sized to receive and fire .22 Long Rifle cartridges. 